Senior Hydrogeologist

USA: | Environmental Services | Full Time

37.00 - 40.00 USD per hour

Posted 6 days ago | Apply before July 28, 2026

State of Idaho Opportunity

Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)

This agency currently does not sponsor employment visas. Only candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States will be considered.

Applications will be accepted through 11:59 PM Mountain Time on the posting end date.

Selection Process: Resumes will be screened based on the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. A select number of candidates who meet the MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS and have the most relevant qualifications may be invited to interview.

Position is eligible for relocation assistance where applicable; telecommuting policies may apply per state guidelines.

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is hiring a Senior Hydrogeologist – Scientist 4, for the State Office in Boise. PCN 4187/ LPN 7075

Salary Range: 37.00 – 40.00 per hour

• Provide statewide hydrogeologic and geoscience support for groundwater quality protection, waste management, remediation, and technical support to DEQ:
• Serve as a senior hydrogeologic expert for statewide support across DEQ divisions and regions.
• Design, manage, and report on complex subsurface investigations, groundwater monitoring, and water resource projects.
• Analyze groundwater-vadose zone interactions; develop and use groundwater models (e.g., WhAEM, MODFLOW); evaluate water quality; support regulatory compliance.
• Review conceptual site models; interpret field and laboratory data; identify practical solutions for groundwater protection, permitting, waste management, remediation, and regulatory decisions.
• Provide technical review and recommendations on complex hydrogeologic matters (mining, solid waste, wastewater, remediation, and related topics).
• Perform source water delineations and related analyses; provide statistical reviews of annual water quality monitoring reports.

• Provide technical implementation of the Ground Water Quality Rule and related protection decisions:
• Interpret and apply IDAPA 58.01.11 provisions including groundwater standards and monitoring recommendations.
• Conduct hydrogeologic evaluations and develop monitoring recommendations.

• Support source water assessments and groundwater evaluations:
• Provide technical support for drinking water source assessments and hydrogeologic analyses using RAM or Calculated Fixed-Radius Models where appropriate.
• Train staff in RAM/CFRM methods; assist with delineation methods; perform reviews of wells influenced by surface water.
• Ensure statewide consistency and quality assurance for hydrogeologic methods and deliverables.

• Coordinate and support technical work across programs and regions:
• Mentor junior hydro geologists pursuing licensure; provide cross-program support within the State Office and regional offices.
• Develop scopes of work for contractor geological support and oversee contractor work as needed.
• Provide statistical reviews of annual water quality monitoring reports and monitoring plan reviews.

• Represent DEQ in technical and interagency matters and support groundwater program planning:
• Represent DEQ in meetings with regulated entities, consultants, local governments, other agencies, and the public.
• Contribute to program priorities and prepare technical memoranda, reports, and presentations on hydrogeologic and regulatory issues.
• Communicate technical issues clearly to diverse audiences.

Considerable knowledge of physical or biological scientific principles, methodologies, and applications. Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in physical or biological sciences or related field, plus six (6) years of professional experience in designing and implementing scientific applications and investigations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience as described below. Education/experience can be substituted per policy (e.g., 2 years of applicable experience may substitute for 1 year of college;

or a Master’s degree with four (4) years, or a PhD with two (2) years).

Equivalent combinations of education and work experience accepted.

Education and experience should…